"I'm going to stay with you tonight okay buddy?" said Don as they drove to the house. Charlie didn't answer. He just stared out the window. Don sighed. He and Alan would never be able to thank Larry enough for trying so hard to protect Charlie. Noticing that his younger brother was shivering, Don turned up the heat. When they came to a red light, Don put a hand on Charlie's shoulder.

"Are you all right Charlie?"

Charlie's response was so quiet Don almost didn't catch it.

"What are we telling Dad?"

Don smiled. "The truth I guess. I was vauge over the phone because I didn't want to worry him. I figured the news might be easier to take if he sees you walk into the house under your own power."

When they arrived at the house Alan met them at the door. "How's Larry doing?"

Don led Charlie into the living room and sat down next to him on the couch. Alan sat on Charlie's other side. In a quiet voice Don explained what had happend.

"My God!" said Alan, pulling Charlie into his arms. Don rubbed Charlie's shoulders. Charlie began to cry.

"It's all my fault. Larry was hurt because of me!"

Alan looked over at Don, who shook his head.

"C'mon buddy," Don said. "What do we have to do to convince you that this wasn't your fault?"

Charlie didn't answer. He countinued to cry into Alan's shoulder. Gradually his breathing became slow and even. Alan sighed.

"Poor kid, he's cried himself to sleep."

Don and Alan watched Charlie sleep. Despite their at how close they had come to losing him, they also couldn't help feeling a hint of pride. Giving up your life to save someone else is the most heroic thing a person can do. Not wanting to wake Charlie up, Alan and Don stayed where they were and soon fell asleep themselves.

STAY TUNED...